In a text message, Aguirre said the panel will handle the motion for reconsideration filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"I ordered the creation of a new panel that will handle the review of the DOJ's reso on Peter Lim's case. The panel will handle the MR filed by PNP. Pati Acting PG (note: Acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan, Jr) will not participate. I already have names who will compose the panel," he said.

According to a Dec. 20, 2017 resolution approved by acting Prosecutor General Jorge Catalan Jr. and made public only on Monday, the DOJ cleared Lim, Kerwin Espinosa, and 20 others of drug charges due to lack of evidence.